Claude Code Memory Layers

Claude Code Memory Layers

Run the Claude Code Memory Layers MicroSim Fullscreen{ .md-button .md-button--primary }

About This Infographic

This interactive visualization demonstrates how Claude Code manages its memory hierarchy through five distinct layers. Each layer serves a specific purpose and has different sharing scopes.

How to Use

1. Click "Play Animation" to watch how Claude Code loads rules from each layer sequentially
2. Hover over any layer to see detailed information including:
   • File locations for different operating systems
   • Purpose and use case examples
   • Who the rules are shared with
   • Example rules for that layer
3. Watch the override example that appears after the animation completes

The Five Memory Layers

Key Concepts

Rule Override Behavior

Higher priority rules override lower priority rules when there's a conflict. For example:

• Your User Memory might specify: "Use 2-space indentation"
• But the Project Memory specifies: "Use 4-space indentation"
• Result: Claude uses 4-space indentation because Project Memory has higher priority

Loading Order

Claude Code reads memory files in priority order:

1. Enterprise Policy loads first (if present)
2. Project Memory loads next
3. Project Rules are loaded
4. User Memory preferences are applied
5. Project Local settings are applied last

Despite loading last, lower-priority files have lower precedence - they fill in gaps but don't override higher-priority settings.

Embed This MicroSim

You can include this MicroSim on your website using the following iframe:

<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/claude-skills/sims/claude-code-memory-layers/main.html"
        height="602px"
        width="100%"
        scrolling="no"></iframe>

References

• Claude Code Memory Documentation
• Claude Code Official Documentation

Lesson Plan

Learning Objectives

By using this MicroSim, students will be able to:

1. Remember the five memory layers and their priority order
2. Understand how rule override works between layers
3. Apply knowledge to configure their own Claude Code environment
4. Analyze which layer is appropriate for different types of rules

Discussion Questions

1. Why might an organization want to use Enterprise Policy rules?
2. When should you use Project Rules vs. Project Memory?
3. What types of preferences belong in User Memory vs. Project Local?
4. How does the gitignore behavior of CLAUDE.local.md affect team collaboration?

Hands-On Activity

1. Create a ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md file with a personal preference
2. Create a project ./CLAUDE.md that overrides that preference
3. Observe which rule Claude follows

Remember to create a screenshot image (claude-code-memory-layers.png) for social media previews.